For the 2015 issue of CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS, author Robert Jordan investigated the many options and styles of holsters available to the first-time handgun buyer. The subjects covered included holster materials, retention types and body placement options.

“Leather or molded plastic are usu ally your two best choices for holsters. Leather requires a little break-in period and will eventually stretch over time. This stretching molds to the gun and to your body so they become more comfortable as they age. If it gets too loose, simply dunk it in warm water for 20 to 30 seconds and let it dry overnight,” said Jordan in discussing holster materials. “Many people prefer the look and feel of leather to plastic. However, there are lots of good thermoplastics like Kydex and injection-molded plastics used for holsters. Thermoplastics are molded with heat, so leaving it on a car dash on a hot day may cause it to warp and be ruined. They require no break-in period and will never stretch, but they will never conform or get more comfortable either.”

Jordan also weighed in on the “waistband debate,” helping readers decide whether concealed carry inside or outside the waistband makes sense for their daily CCW handgun.

“IWB holsters are typically worn at the 1 o’clock position, and anywhere from the 3 o’clock to the 6 o’clock. They offer the maximum in concealability, but many people find them uncomfortable. As a general rule, you will need to buy pants 2 inches bigger in the waist to wear an IWB. There are a lot of great companies making IWB holsters in both leather and Kydex,” said Jordan. “OWBs are probably the most popular style of holster. These are typically worn from the 3 o’clock back to the 6 o’clock, but also can be worn from the 9 to 11 o’clock as a cross draw.”